‘Jacked’ or ‘Skinny,’ Patriots want Rob Gronkowski back ASAP

‘Jacked’ or ‘Skinny,’ Patriots want Rob Gronkowski back from injury ASAP. He was listed as doubtful on the injury report last Sunday against Tampa Bay. His status for this Sunday's game against Atlanta is still unknown.

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski hasn't appeared on an NFL playing field since this play on Jan. 13 vs. the Texans. Credit: Getty Images

The Patriots will face their toughest test to date in the 2013 regular season this Sunday when they square off with the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday Night Football (8:30 p.m., NBC).

They could sure use the help of their best offensive player not named Tom Brady, but whether or not Rob Gronkowski is fully healthy to suit up remains unknown. The burly tight end was listed as “doubtful” prior to last Sunday’s win over Tampa Bay and didn’t end up playing.

“I’m still wondering how that works, doubtful (or) questionable,” Gronkowski told reporters Wednesday. “I guess, like I said, I’ve been improving every week.”Number 87 appeared more slender than usual during his non-contact practices late this summer in Foxboro. But the burly tight end assured everyone Wednesday that he’ll be ripped to shreds whenever he finally steps on an NFL field for the first time since Jan. 13.

“I don’t really lose weight,” Gronkowski said. “I can look skinny and still be the same amount of weight. It goes by skinny or looking jacked. I was skinny back a few months.”